FRANKFORT, Ky. — A former Kentucky pastor who police say admitted to having sex with a child is facing numerous felony charges related to sexual abuse.
Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Thursday 47-year-old Zachary King, former executive pastor of LexCity Church in Lexington, was indicted this week on seven felony counts, including rape. A Fayette County Grand Jury indicted him on the following charges:
- One count of first degree rape.
- One count of first degree sodomy.
- One count of unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in a sexual or prohibited activity.
- One count of unlawful transaction with a minor with a victim under 18.
- One count of third degree rape.
- One count of third degree sodomy.
- One count of first degree sexual abuse.
According to WTVQ in Lexington, King was arrested in July. An arrest citation claimed King admitted to having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old for over a year.
The AG's Department of Criminal Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the Lexington Police Department. Assistant Attorney General Todd Willard presented the case to the grand jury.
According to a news release from the AG's office, the Kentucky Supreme Court's rule on trial publicity limits information the office can provide.
LexCity Church closed its doors in July. The church posted on Facebook saying the decision was made based on financial difficulties and the impact of the investigation.
King resigned from the church after being confronted with the allegations. On July 3, the church's leadership team released a public statement:
“Pain and hurt are never the wishes of any church. So, the leadership of LexCity Church is deeply grieved at the pain and hurt caused by a former staff member’s alleged actions, which affect so many in so many ways. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victim, their families, and those wounded by this.”
